New Delhi: Manchester City midfielder Rodri is facing the prospect of missing the remainder of the 2024/25 season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the 2-2 draw against Arsenal. The Spanish international was forced off early in the match, clutching his right knee in pain. Per reports, initial tests have confirmed the seriousness of the injury, with further checks in Barcelona expected to formalise the diagnosis. Sources close to the club have already indicated that surgery is likely, ruling him out for the majority, if not all, of the season.
Rodri’s injury is a huge blow for Pep Guardiola’s side. The 28-year-old had been instrumental in City’s dominance, providing defensive stability and playmaking from midfield. After winning Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 for Spain, he was also in contention for this year’s Ballon d’Or. His absence leaves a significant void in City’s midfield, as he was not only a crucial player tactically but also a leader on the pitch.
Will this injury not take the whole season for rodri to return to the pitch? pic.twitter.com/dLtnHWrMoq
— MJENZI🛡️ (@samofficial08) September 22, 2024
Guardiola will now have to explore different options to fill the gap left by Rodri. Mateo Kovacic replaced him during the Arsenal game, but City’s lack of natural alternatives in that position might force the manager to experiment. Ilkay Gundogan, who typically plays further forward, could drop deeper, and there’s even talk of John Stones or Rico Lewis being considered to cover in midfield.
Rodri’s injury comes amid his own warnings about the physical toll players are facing due to the congested football schedule. Just last week, he mentioned that players were “close” to striking if changes weren’t made to reduce their workload. His words now feel more poignant as he faces months of rehabilitation. For City, the challenge is clear: coping without their midfield anchor as they chase yet another Premier League title.
Rodri’s ACL injury rules him out for the season, leaving Manchester City scrambling to replace their midfield anchor. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
